ASRC | APPEAL | Winter June 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

Participation supports people seeking asylum in Victoria, with essentials to make winter that little bit warmer with ingredients for soups, curries and nutritious meals for this winter!

Most needed Material Aid items:
(visit Facebook page for more frequent updates)
• COLES brand Comfy Bots Nappies. All sizes, from newborn to XXL
• Unscented Nappy Wipes
• Cinema Tickets for families to see films during the school holidays
• Gift Cards for members to buy heaters and other essential household items they need (note: Coles Myer, Big W, Kmart are all great!)

Top 5 Foodbank Items
— Basmati Rice
— Split red lentils and dried chick peas
— canned tomatoes and tomato paste
— coconut cream/milk
— tinned fish in oil

Or make a financial donation towards service offerings.

MORE:
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson Street Footscray Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia
Tel: 03 9326 6066
Email: admin@asrc.org.au
Website: www.asrc.org.au

ZCKMUS | SYMPOSIUM | Morality in a Time of Untruth | Interfaith Symposium | Saturday 17 June 2017 | 5.30-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A thought provoking symposium that explores morality from the view of different religions and philosophies. 

Speaker Panel:
• Christianity: Reverend Jay Robinson
• Confucianism: Ming Xia Ni
• Dejiao: Joanne Lin
• Sufism: Murshida Nuria Daly
• Taoism: Sifu Morgan Buchanan
• Moderator: Dr Nicholas Coleman | Deputy-Director, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne

Where: ZCK Community Centre, Unit 1, 14-26 Audsley Street, Clayton South

Cost: Free, donations welcome

Inclusions: Vegetarian Dinner

Bookings: essential as seats are limited. Online through EventBrite

MORE: 
Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society Stephen Chew 0418 566 714
Interfaith Centre of Melbourne Rev Helen Summers 0400 228 146

A collaboration between The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne and The Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society

MELAIG | MEDITATION | In Action: the use of repetition in spiritual practice - Mantra, breathing, chanting and movement | Sunday 18 June 2017 | 9am-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Deepening our connection with the Divine through the practice of repetitive techniques from differing spiritual paths, and applying these techniques in our everyday lives. 

This workshop will feature practices from the Hindu and Islamic traditions.

Speakers:
• Dr. Jayant Bhalchandra Bapat
• Dr Hreman Roborgh

Full program details, please click here.

Where: Janssen Spirituality Centre, 22 Woodvale Road Boronia Vic, 3155

Cost: $40 (includes morning/afternoon and a light lunch)

Registration: Please register online through TryBooking

MORE:
MELA Interfaith Group
Email: melainterfaithgroup@gmail.com

WIN | FILM | Constance on the Edge: What does it take to belong? | Wednesday 21 June 2017 | 6-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

An award winning story of a South Sudanese woman and her family who have endured displacement and conflict settling in New South Wales. 

For a preview of this movie see: https://vimeo.com/216625409

Where: Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee

Cost: $10

Inclusions: light refreshments

Bookings: RSVPs essential Monday 19 June 2017 | Laurence Gray: 03 9742 4013 | rsvp@wyndhamcec.org.au  

MORE: 
Wyndham Interfaith Network
Wyndham CEC
Tel: 03 9742 4013
Website: www.wyncc.com.au

MPIN | WALK | Listening to the Land (Winter Night Walk): Rye Back Beach - Number Sixteen | Saturday 1 July 2017 | 6-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Listening to the Land is an initiative seeking to bring people from different faith and cultural backgrounds together to connect or reconnect with the Land and to be moved to care for the Land.

Our special night time Listening to the Land program begins at 6pm and includes an introductory talk, a listening walk, and a meditation. The walk and meditation will be led by Gunditjamara Elder, Uncle Lionel Lauch.

Considerations: The walk will conclude around 9pm. Bring appropriate clothing, and a small torch if you have one.
The walk is mildly strenuous. Look forward to seeing you there – sunshine or rain.

Meeting Point: No 16 Beach Car Park - end of Marcia Avenue, Rye.
Map: www.google.com.au/maps/

Cost: The event is by donation.

Bookings/Info: Judy O’Donnell; Tel: 03 5974 4969; Mob: 0400 088 410

MORE: 
The Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network (MPIN)
Judy O’Donnell
Tel: 03 5974 4969
Mob: 0400 088 410

The Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network (MPIN) acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land, the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people, part of the Kulin Nation, and their elders past and present.

JCCV | MEAL FUNDRAISER | Annual Jewish and Catholic Friendship Dinner | Sunday 30 July | Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start

[Edited extract from public address]

At this year’s annual Jewish and Catholic Friendship Dinner, enjoy good food, good wine and good company. Address together an important issue facing all Australians drawing on the wisdom of our Hebrew ancestors in faith: “Strangers and Neighbours: Responding to Asylum Seekers”.

Guest speakers: Sr Brigid Arthur, the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) and Rabbi Ralph Genende.

An opportunity to make a contribution to the work of the BASP in our local community.

Where: Adele Southwick Hall, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, Gate 4, 12 Charnwood Grove, St Kilda 3162.

Cost: Tickets: $50 each (incl. Kosher dinner)

Bookings: online through TryBooking
Bookings close: 27 July

Enquiries: Jewish Community Council of Victoria Tel: 03 9272 5641; Email: community@jccv.org.au

MORE:
Hilary McMahon
Jewish Community Council of Victoria
Tel: 03 9272 5641
Email: community@jccv.org.au

David Schütz
Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission
Tel: 03 9926 5708; Mob: 0400 978 938
Email: eic@cam.org.au

AHRC | STUDENT COMPETITION | Race Discrimination Commissioner's Student Prize 2017 | CLOSES 15 September 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

An annual competition for school students aimed to promote research and discussion of racism among young people.

Who: Students in Years 10 and 11 at a school in any Australian state or territory are eligible to enter.

What do entrants need to do:

Entrants may write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) or record a speech (video or audio, maximum 5 minutes) and submit it to the Commission via the entry form by 15 September 2017.

Entrants must answer one of the following questions:

The best way of killing ugliness is with kindness. To what extent should this guide our society's response to racism?

Fighting racism demands that we also defend liberal democracy. Discuss.

Enter the competition

Prize and judging

The winning student will be awarded a book voucher from Dymocks worth $150.00. Their work will also be featured on the Commission's website and in the Commissioner's monthly newsletter.

The winning student's school will be awarded a book voucher from Dymocks worth $500.00.

The best entry will be selected by the Race Discrimination Commissioner and the winner will be awarded their prize at the Annual Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture in Sydney in October 2017.

Terms and Conditions of Entry

Last year's winner

The winner of the inaugural Student Prize was Mohamed Semra, a Year 11 student from Maribyrnong College, in Victoria.

Mohamed reflected on the question 'Ignorance is the root of racism' and discussed his experience growing up in Sudan and in Melbourne. You can read more here.

MORE:

Australian Human Rights Commission
Street: Level 3, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Postal: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Tel: (02) 9284 9600
National Information Service: 1300 656 419
General enquiries and publications: 1300 369 711
TTY: 1800 620 241
Website: https://www.humanrights.gov.au/

PPMN | COMMEMORATION | St Kilda Multicultural Iftar | Sunday 4 June 2017 | Arrive 4.30pm for 5-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The St Kilda Multicultural Iftar is fast approaching. The Iftar event has been organised by the City of Port Phillip Multifaith Network. 

The Port Phillip Multifaith Network comprises of representatives from a variety of religions and faith groups in the City of Port Phillip.

Iftar (Arabic: break-fast) takes place every night during Islamic month of Ramadhan, following prayers. The fast breaks at sunset (5.10pm), doors will be open at 4.30pm, the event will be start at 5pm sharp.

The City of Port Phillip Mayor Councillor Bernadine Voss will open the event. Invited speakers from various religious traditions will speak about fasting and rituals and a Welcome to Country by Senior Elder, Arweet Caroline (Boon Wurrung Foundation). There will be presentations from the Hare Krishnas, Muslims, Jewish and Christian faiths, with a special visit from Robert John (Bob) Maguire, AM RFD.

Where: Note new venue St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda

When: Sunday 4 June, 5-8pm

Bookings: Essential. RSVP - ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 or rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

MORE:
Port Phillip Multifaith Network
City of Port Phillip
Postal: Private Bag 3, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Ewa Zysk, Acting Multicultural Liaison Officer | Access & Ageing
Tel: 9209 6385; Mobile: 0421 582 732
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

MIN | COMMEMORATION | Breaking Down Barriers | Open Iftar Together | Friday 9 June 2017 | 5-7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

With an emphasis on friendship, simplicity and a high regard for neighbours, please join us in a ceremonial Iftar, where you get a chance to learn about the significance of Ramadan and reconnect with fellow community members.

Iftar: (Arabic: break fast) takes place when the sun sets each evening during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan, following Maghrib (sunset) prayers. The objective is to focus on the fasting rather than feasting.

Speakers from other faith groups are invited to share how fasting is significant in their respective faiths. Activities include Henna tattoos, Hijab Styling workshop.

Where: Melton Community Hall - 232 High Street, Melton

Cost: Free event

Inclusions: Delicious halal traditional meal will be served.

Bookings: RSVP book online through EventBrite

MORE: 
Melton Interfaith Network
David, Tel: 0424 125690

WIN | TOUR | Places of Worship June 2017 | Wednesday 14 June 2017 | 9.30am-2.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

All aboard for this bus tour into friendship.

Tour includes:

• Shri Durga Temple | 705-715 Neale Road. Rockbank 3335 | Briefed about the rituals performed in the Temple. Morning tea will be served here. Shoes to be taken off before entering the main Temple building
• Gurudwara | 417 Sayers Road Hoppers Crossing 3029 | Briefed about the rituals. Shoes to be removed & head to be covered before entering the Gurudwara
• Gurudwara Sahib | Tarneit, 560 Davis Road Tarneit 3029 | Join in prayers. Vegetarian lunch will be served | Shoes to be removed & heads to be covered before entering the Gurudwara

Bus departs: 9.30am from: Wyndham Community & Education Centre, 3 Princes Highway, Werribee
Bus returns to same location at 2pm

Cost: Free

Inclusions: A vegetarian lunch will be provided for all participants at the Gurudwara Sahib Tarneit

Bookings: RSVP essential by Friday 9 June 2017

MORE:
Wyndham Interfaith Network
Laurence Gray
Tel: 0401 337 696
Email: laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au

PPLS | WORKSHOP | Japanese Ink Art | Saturday 17 June 2017 | 10.30-12.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join artist and teacher Junko Azukawa, a working artist who holds regular exhibitions and has won numerous Japanese art awards.

Participants will learn to make and use different sumi ink tones and brush techniques to create traditional Japanese sumi ink paintings on washi paper made from the mulberry.

Where: St Kilda Library Community Room

Cost: $6

Bookings: Please book online through Eventbrite
Event booked out? Put your name down to be notified if a space becomes available. Just select ‘Add to Waitlist’ on the Eventbrite listing page. You’ll need to do this for each person you want to add to the list.
Need to cancel? Please let us know if you can no longer make your booking. We get a lot of people on the waitlist who might miss out if you can’t come.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

BRASA & SIDE DOOR | CONCERT FUNDRAISER | Journeys through Song | Saturday 17 June 2017 | 6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Bringing together art, music, poetry and food to inspire conversations about the refugee experience, this promises to be an engaging and exciting evening not to be missed! 

A Community Concert fundraiser showcasing Spoken Word Poetry, Opera, Jazz, Contemporary Song and World Music with artwork from detained refugees. 100% of ticket sale proceeds go to the Human Rights Law Centre for the support of refugees and people seeking asylum.

Don’t miss out on being part of this intriguing and worthy charity concert event!

6pm | Pre-Concert Soirée | Church Hall

The event will a pre-concert soirée in the Church Hall from 6pm with a string quartet Potted Palms and Refugee Artworks, exotic finger food provided by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Catering and wine, bubbly and softdrinks – all available for purchase on the evening.

7pm | The Guest Speaker and Concert Performance | Church building 

Featuring special Guest Speaker from the Executive Director of HRLC, Dr Hugh de Kretser, 

An excitingly eclectic mix of Opera, Jazz and Contemporary singers Lydia Sherren, Alison Jones and Fiona Scarlett, World Music band including refugee Saharnaz - originally from Iran and spoken word poet Tariro Mavondo.

Considerations: 15 minute interval included in concert, with drinks on sale and winners of raffle announced.

Inclusions: Complimentary Tea and Coffee will be available after the performance for the opportunity of more conversations in the Church Hall.

Where: St Leonard's Uniting Church, 2 Wolseley Grove (Cnr. New Street), Brighton Vic 3186

Cost:*       Adult:                                                                          $35 per person

                  Group (10+):                                                               $30 per person

                  Concession

                  (Pensioners, Healthcare Card Holders,

                   Student Card Holders & Children U18 only**):        $25 per person

               **NB: Seniors Card holders and any another categories are not eligible for concessions

Bookings: online through TryBooking*
*plus TryBooking fee $0.30 per ticket

MORE: 

Bayside Refugee Advocacy and Support Association (BRASA)

Greg Jones

Tel: 0458 001 736

Email: grjones2020@gmail.com

Side Door Social Justice Hub (SIDE DOOR)
Uniting Church of Australia,
St. John's Uniting Church, 567 Glen Huntly Rd. Elsternwick
Jane Oldfield Email janeoldfield@netspace.net.au

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Side-Door-Social-Justice-Hub-305449906540610/

CCJV | LUNCH TALK | My Enemy's Enemy - Europe's Jews, Muslims and the Far Right | Monday 19 June 2017 | 12.15-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

For the first time since World War II, European ultra-nationalists are using their anti-Islamist credentials to make substantial inroads into Jewish communities and electorates who spurned them only a few years ago. 

Using statistical data, interviews and analyses we will explore both the reasons and the consequences of this under-discussed (and often inconvenient) development.

Guest Speaker Cnaan Liphshiz is a journalist for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) and contributor to the Times of Israel and The Forward, reporting about Jewish life and communities in France, the United Kingdom, Hungary and the former Soviet Union. He previously served as a counterintelligence analyst for Israel’s Defence Ministry and has written for both Maariv and Haaretz. Born in Haifa and currently residing in Amsterdam, Cnaan has reported from approximately forty countries, including Uzbekistan, the Congo and rebel-held territories in Ukraine. He is visiting Australia as a guest of Limmud Oz.

Where: East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, 488 Albert Street East Melbourne

Cost: $15 including light Kosher lunch.

Bookings: Please advise the CCJ office if you are attending, details below.

MORE:
Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria)
Tel: (03) 9429 5212
Email: ccjvic@bigpond.net.au

PPLS | FREE HEARING TESTS | Emerald Hill, Port Melbourne and St Kilda Libraries | 19, 20, 22 June 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

Australian Hearing will be attending and providing hearing tests at three City of Port Phillip locations in June. 

Cost: free hearing tests to anyone who is interested.

Considerations: Each test will take twenty minutes, and individual timeslots can be booked throughout the sessions that are being run.

Emerald Hill Library and Heritage Centre | Monday 19 June 2017 | 1-4pm
Book this location online through EventBrite

Port Melbourne Library | Tuesday 20 June 2017 | 10am-2pm
Book this location online through EventBrite

St Kilda Library | Thursday 22 June 2017 | 10am-4pm
Book this location online through EventBrite

Event booked out? Put your name down to be notified if a space becomes available. Just select ‘Add to Waitlist’ on the Eventbrite listing page. You’ll need to do this for each person you want to add to the list.
Need to cancel? Please let us know if you can no longer make your booking. We get a lot of people on the waitlist who might miss out if you can’t come.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

PPLS | AUTHOR TALK | John Safran Goes Rogue | Wednesday 21 June 2017 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

John Safran, a Paladin dwarf and an ISIS supporter walk into a Catholic Church. Neo-Nazis are on the same side as the Jews. Pauline Hanson denies she was ever against Asian immigration… Welcome to Australia 2016. 

If it sounds mad, that’s because it is. And funny. But apparently that’s a dangerous thing now too – as Safran has just found out. Join us for this entertaining event as Safran reveals his alarming adventures in a weird world of misfits whose extremist views (and behaviour) have helped propel the rise of the alt-right.

Welcome to a place in time where blonde-haired, blue-eyed boys grow-up aspiring to be ISIS freedom fighters, an Islamic preacher quotes Monty Python and newly arrived immigrants oppose multiculturalism. Yep, that’s right. It all depends what you mean by extremist…

John Safran will be in conversation with Sally Wahaft, Melbourne broadcaster, anthropologist, writer and the host of the Wheeler Centre’s live journalism series: The Fifth Estate.

Where: St Kilda Library

Bookings: online through Eventbrite
Event booked out? Put your name down to be notified if a space becomes available. Just select ‘Add to Waitlist’ on the Eventbrite listing page.  You’ll need to do this for each person you want to add to the list.
Need to cancel? Please let us know if you can no longer make your booking. We get a lot of people on the waitlist who might miss out if you can’t come.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

MIN | CELEBRATING | Refugee Week 2017 | Thursday 22 June 2017 | 12-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

With courage let us all combine. Join us to celebrate Refugee Week. 

Hear the inspiring stories of refugees and asylum seekers, and enjoy cultural performances.

Where: Melton Community Hall - 232 High Street, Melton

Cost: Free event

Inclusions: Light refreshments provided.

Bookings: RSVP Essan Dileri | essand@melton.vic.gov.au | 03 9747 7200

MORE: 
Melton Interfaith Network and Melton City Council
Essan Dileri
Email: essand@melton.vic.gov.au
Tel: 03 9747 7200
Website: www.melton.vic.gov.au

PWR | REFLECTIONS | Highlighting Muslims and All Faiths Making a More Peaceful, Just and Sustainable World

[Edited extract from public address]

Throughout the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslim and non-Muslim leaders will be sharing reflections with you on the Parliament website about how they are building solidarity along lines of division and connecting with the values of Ramadan.

As the month of Ramadan is here, the Parliament of the World’s Religions wishes our Muslim siblings around the globe a blessed time of worship, reflection, and community. The Parliament of the World’s Religions cultivates harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities, celebrating with our Muslim neighbors and honoring their traditions is a concrete way to cultivate such harmony.

Ramadan offers a time for Muslims to reflect on what the values of gratitude, service, and community means to them. It is also a time of intentional, heightened solidarity between Muslims and their neighbors across the spectrum of faith, philosophical, and ethical traditions. Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike are increasingly partnering together and utilizing Ramadan as an important touchstone for interfaith engagement through iftars, community events, and other outreach activities.

This month, the Parliament invites you to engage with Interfaith Ramadan series. Throughout the month, Muslim and non-Muslim leaders will be sharing reflections on the Parliament website about how they are building solidarity along lines of division and connecting with the values of Ramadan.

Hear from a Protestant community organizer working towards affordable housing reform with Muslim partners in East London. Learn about how an interfaith leader in St. Louis launched the first Muslim Woman’s Professional Network. To kickoff the series, youth representative of the Parliament to the UN and professional staff, Sara Rahim, writes about what's on her mind as she begins her personal Ramadan observance.

Through all of these reflections, be inspired by how young people are motivated by their faith to harness the good in their communities to build bridges across diverse traditions.

As all of our great traditions around the world are called to serve, we hope that you will utilize this month as a time to learn and continue building bridges in your own community.

Share your own reflections with us to info@parliamentofreligions.org or tag us at #RamadanPoWR.

To our cherished Muslim members of the Parliament community, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a blessed observance of Ramadan!

In Peace,
PWR

P.S. Learn more about the forthcoming 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions

MORE: 
Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL  60601
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

GEIFN | REPORT | MEAL FUNDRAISER | International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia | Wednesday 17 May 2017 | 6-8pm

One meal in a day of international recognition providing an opportunity for individuals, families and organisations to show support for and celebrate same sex attracted, bisexual, intersex and gender diverse people.

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) a commemoration the World Health Organisation 1990 removing homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_Against_Homophobia,_Transphobia_and_Biphobia

IDAHOBIT strengthens visibility and voice of LGBTIQA+ parents, Rainbow families and their children by raising awareness of the diversity of families in our community.

This year the IDAHOBIT theme is families. The theme highlights the important role that families play in the well-being of LGBTIQA+ members and reinforcing need to respect existence/rights/contributions of LGBTIQA+ and Rainbow families.

Spread the word: promoting equal recognition and rights for families challenging the occurrence of discrimination is everybody's business.

Where: Aangan Restaurant, 559 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012

Cost: Free. MEAL: included. Small group, Carey's buying (think yoga teacher budget), yes bring a bestie but know places limited. DRINKS: water and soft drink included. Alcoholic drinks individually purchased if desired. DONATIONS: towards usual charities accepted, ask for details.

As part of the event and to show support for every day equalisers benefitting countless others, funds were raised for nominated charities.

Total Donations Raised (incl pledges): $600 shared equally between 5 charities ($120 ea). A big thankyou to those who participated with presence and, in case of not being able to attend, support to the endeavour by making donations in kind or in absentia.

Recipient Charities:

-- Switchboard http://www.switchboard.org.au Rec #GN754481

-- Ardoch Youth Foundation https://www.ardoch.org.au Rec #AUD82530400

-- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre http://www.asrc.org.au/ Rec #0127679

-- Koorie Heritage Trust Inc www.koorieheritagetrust.com Rec #00000000173

-- Parliament of World's Religions http://www.parliamentofreligions.org Rec #4SV70647Y06230436

MORE:

Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN)

Global engagement in friendly neighborhoods

Caretaker Carey Rohrlach

Email: carey@caro.com.au

Website: www.gleneirainterfaith.org

Q. What is Interfaith?

A. Humanising 'the other'

This is GEIFN's Annual Celebration of Interconnectedness

Same Difference Equal

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | June 2017

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Debi Enker explores the value of a national broadcaster, independent determining content and illuminating ways to a sustainable future in "Separating treasures from the waste of ABC programs" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/the-abc-of-banana-programming-decisions-20170522-gwa4r6.html

Jenny Valentish explores unsatisfied desires, channeling behaviours and different ways to address inner Suffering, revealing "Quitting my addiction was only the first step in rediscovering my identity" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/quitting-my-addiction-was-only-the-first-step-in-rediscovering-my-identity-20170525-gwcr1q.html

Michael Gordon writes of steps towards improving Indigenous outcomes, citing "The dance that could be the spark for a historic pact at Uluru" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/the-dance-that-could-be-the-spark-for-an-historic-pact-at-uluru-20170523-gwbgb0.html


Intra
Michael Gordon explores benefits of working together to forge a brighter shared future, recognizing "Let's be bold on Indigenous recognition, says Bill Shorten" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/lets-be-bold-on-indigenous-recognition-says-bill-shorten-20170524-gwccsh.html

Michael Short explores one Melbourne student's journey towards personal truth to overcome school and societal prejudice, in "Coming out and showing the way" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/coming-out-and-showing-the-way-20170526-gwdttb.html

Ray Edgar explores modernist towers, accommodating and street diversity as "Open House Melbourne 2017 celebrates New York's urban activist, Jane Jacobs" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/open-house-melbourne-2017-celebrates-new-yorks-urban-activist-jane-jacobs-20170522-gwabyl.html


Inter
Timna Jacks and Pallavi Singhal explore some hidden benefits to financial literate young, when "Australian students score fifth on financial literacy" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/victoria/australian-students-score-fifth-on-financial-literacy-20170524-gwcayi.html

Maureen Mathews explores the value in ongoing mutually healthy relationships, sincere intentions and overcoming communication obstacles, calling out "My vegan, feminist girlfriend is too intense for me" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/family-relationships-and-sex/m27aboutlastnight-20170421-gvpkuc.html

Michael Idato explores connections between positive role models, striving for equity and increasing societal justice, interviewing "Robin Wright: Despite being an older actress, I have finally found creative freedom" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/robin-wright-despite-being-an-older-actress-i-have-finally-found-creative-freedom-20170525-gwcs0f.html


Multi
Lindsay Murdoch reveals ongoing deprivation, destabilization and disadvantage while "Children dying in Myanmar because of malnutrition UN" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/children-dying-in-myanmar-because-of-malnutrition-un-20170524-gwbvyl.html

Karuni Rompies and Jewel Topsfield explore ignorance, authority-led demonising and public spectacle as "Two men receive 83 lashes for gay sex in Indonesian province of Aceh" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/world/two-men-receive-83-lashes-for-gay-sex-in-indonesian-province-of-aceh-20170523-gwbeof.html

Ruby Hamad explores misled idealism, war mongering, and targeting a demonised identified accused other "Terror attacks on kids are nothing new, and Manchester won't be the last" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/news-and-views/opinion/terror-attacks-on-kids-are-nothing-new-and-manchester-wont-be-the-last-20170525-gwcugw.html


All
Catherine McKinnon explores the value of stories, expanding horizons and developing deeper understandings of present and future worlds in "Books that Changed Me: Catherine McKinnon" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/books/books-that-changed-me-catherine-mckinnon-20170522-gwakbz.html

Kate Robertson explores Australia's attitude to alcohol consumption and personal benefits, revealing "'Giving up drinking saved me $4000 a year'" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/money/saving/giving-up-drinking-saved-me-4000-a-year-20170528-gwez3y.html

Farrah Tomazin explores personal cost, living with chronic disease and "Assisted dying laws: Call for dementia sufferers to be included" via WA Today
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/assisted-dying-laws-call-for-dementia-sufferers-to-be-included-20170527-gwejcf.html


Togather
Don Mackay explores local identified need, undercover efforts producing community solutions, displaying "Faith: acting on Christian conviction" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/victoria/faith-acting-on-christian-conviction-20170527-gwehz5.html

Jason Twill describes Authorities' efforts to foster, incubate and grow sustainable villages, trying to overcome "'Bright flight': another symptom of the housing crisis" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/bright-flight-another-symptom-of-the-housing-crisis-20170515-gw4yzs.html

Hannah Francis plots brighter future for sober cause, preserving historical architecture and enriching sustainable communities now that "Temperance Hall move gives new lease of life to Phillip Adams BalletLab" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/stage/melbourne-stage/temperance-hall-move-gives-new-lease-of-life-to-phillip-adams-balletlab-20170515-gw4wfe.html


Nobly
Rachel Browne explores parental expectations, infertility, skilful means and spirited team work, revealing "Why Deana and Matthew 'adopted' an entire family" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/nsw/why-deana-and-matthew-adopted-an-entire-family-20170525-gwcpnu.html

Kirsty Needham explores advances in gender-neutral equality for citizens when "Taiwan to become first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/world/taiwan-set-to-become-first-asian-country-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage-20170524-gwcgnu.html

Michael Gordon explores healing historical wounds, skilful means and a brighter shared future, reporting "Bran nue day dawns for Mutitjulu, a community with a grim past" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bran-nue-day-dawns-for-mutitjulu-a-community-with-a-grim-past-20170527-gweh26.html


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TED TALKS
Approx 20min presentations

Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar

James Veitch: This is what happens when you reply to spam email

Jon Jandai: Life is easy. Why do we make it so hard?


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GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

Xavier Rudd & the United Nations - Come People
https://youtu.be/t3SWnkaAwpA


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STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street: David Beckham: Persistent
https://youtu.be/Vq4wrPL1o4s


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EXPERIENCE SHOWS
Approx 18 min presentation

Shah Rukh Khan: Thoughts on humanity, fame and love